I know they are not bugs but does anyone know how to deter owls and hawks from coming into your yard and attacking small dogs? My neighbor recently had one of her dogs killed by a hawk or an owl and we are trying to find out how to keep them out of her yard.

I'd go the bigger dog route, anything else is going to be an uphill battle unless you're into shooting.

Bushg is right about the leash. But don't make it too long a one. About the only other solution I know would be a 'roof' - anything from awning to canvas shelter to chicken wire as long as the dog can't get too close to the edges.

Here's a bit of information I had no knowledge of.

All hawks and owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC, 703-711). These laws strictly prohibit the capture, killing, or possession of hawks or owls without special permit. No permits are required to scare depredating migratory birds except for endangered or threatened species (see Table 1), including bald and golden eagles.

Table 1. Federally endangered or threatened raptors.

Name: California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (California and Oregon), Mexico (Baja California).

Name: Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Status: Endangered and Threatened
Where Endangered: US (Conterminous states except Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin)
Where Threatened: US (Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin)

Name: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis anatum)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: Nests from central Alaska across northcentral Canada to central Mexico. Winters south to South America.

Name: American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis tundrius)
Status: Threatened
Where Threatened: Nests from northern Alaska to Greenland. Winters south to Central and South America.

Name: Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: Wherever found in wild in the conterminous 48 states.

Name: Hawaiian (lo) hawk (Buteo solitarius)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (Hawaii)

Name: Everglade (snail kite) kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: US (Florida)

Name: Palau owl (Pyroglaux [=Otus] podargina)
Status: Endangered
Where Endangered: West Pacific Ocean: US (Palau Islands)

In addition, most states have regulations regarding hawks and owls. Some species may be common in one state but may be on a state endangered species list in another. Consult your local USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and/or state wildlife department representatives for permit requirements and information.

Have you contacted Dept. of Natural Resources or Game commission? They may have some advice or even do some trapping.